Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is performing triage for a group of clients who were in a train crash. Which of the following clients should the nurse tag as emergent?

• A. A client who has an open fracture of the femur
• B. A client who has periorbital ecchymosis
• C. A client who has asymmetrical thorax
• D. A client who has a deep-partial thickness burn on the lower extremities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a triage situation, an asymmetrical thorax suggests a potentially life-threatening condition such as a pneumothorax or hemothorax, requiring immediate attention. This client should be tagged as emergent. Periorbital ecchymosis and deep-partial thickness burns, while concerning, may not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. An open fracture of the femur, although serious, can be prioritized after addressing emergent cases.

2. A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?

• A. Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
• B. Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
• C. Decreased respirations and increased urine output
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the condition progresses, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to Kussmaul's respirations. The accumulation of ketones in the body causes a fruity odor on the breath. Option A is correct because Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath are classic signs of DKA. Option B is incorrect because shallow respirations are not typically seen in DKA, and severe abdominal pain is more commonly associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Option C is incorrect as decreased respirations are not a typical finding in DKA, and increased urine output is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus. Option D is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not characteristic of DKA, and foul-smelling urine is not a prominent symptom in this condition.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Renal insufficiency
• C. Hyperparathyroidism
• D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.

4. When developing an educational program for staff regarding a new intravenous pump, what is the correct sequence of actions for a nurse to take?

• A. Develop learning objectives for the program
• B. Identify what skills to teach the staff members
• C. Conduct program evaluation with staff members
• D. Schedule several sessions of the program

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct sequence of actions when developing an educational program for staff regarding a new intravenous pump is to first identify what skills to teach the staff members. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for the learning objectives to be developed next. Once the learning objectives are established, scheduling several sessions of the program can be planned accordingly. Finally, after the program has been conducted, program evaluation with staff members should take place to assess the effectiveness of the educational program. Therefore, options A, C, and D are out of sequence, making them incorrect choices.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who requests information about the prevalence of Tay-Sachs disease. Which of the following resources should the nurse use to obtain this information?

• A. The client's health care provider
• B. A collaborative, user-edited website
• C. The facility's case manager
• D. An evidence-based nursing journal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An evidence-based nursing journal is the correct choice for the nurse to obtain information about the prevalence of Tay-Sachs disease. These journals contain peer-reviewed research and studies conducted by experts in the field, providing accurate and reliable information. Choice A, the client's health care provider, may have general information but may not provide detailed prevalence data. Choice B, a collaborative, user-edited website, is not a reliable source as the information may be inaccurate or outdated. Choice C, the facility's case manager, is unlikely to have specific prevalence data on Tay-Sachs disease.

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